Starmer warns X may lose 'self-regulation rights'

The UK is set to enact legislation criminalising the creation of intimate images without consent following concerns over the Grok AI chatbot from Elon Musk.

Addressing Labour MPs, UK Prime Ministe Sir Keir Starmer cautioned that X (formerly Twitter) might lose its autonomy to self-regulate.

"If X cannot manage Grok, we will take charge," he stated, emphasising swift government action on the matter.

The administration also plans to introduce laws prohibiting the provision of online tools utilised to produce such images.

The company previously stated, "Anyone using or instructing Grok to create illegal content will face the same penalties as those who upload illegal content."

This follows an announcement by Ofcom about its investigation into X due to "serious concerns" over Grok's alteration of images.

If X is found in violation of the regulations, Ofcom could impose fines up to 10% of its global revenue or £18 million, whichever amount is greater.

Furthermore, should X fail to comply, Ofcom may pursue a court order to compel internet service providers to block UK access to the site.

In a statement, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall urged the regulator not to "drag out" the investigation and requested it establish a timetable "at the earliest possible time".

Currently, sharing deepfakes of adults in the UK is illegal, but the Data (Use and Access) Act, which criminalises creation or solicitation of such images, remains unenforced since its passage in June 2025.

Recently, activists accused the government of delaying the law's implementation.